The Biden-Harris Administration has approved more than US$1.3 billion in direct assistance to Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement, and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, more than $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health, and prevent further damage to public and private property.

FEMA personnel remain on the ground in communities across the Southeast conducting damage assessments, coordinating with local officials, and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs. More than 1,400 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are in affected neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal, and voluntary agency resources.

Applying for assistance is a critical first step toward recovery. Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia, Florida (Helene), Florida (Milton), North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, and other emergency supplies.

Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance in finding a temporary place to stay. Applicants may be eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance, which provides survivors with a safe, temporary place to stay, like a hotel or motel, until they can find a short or longer-term housing solution. To date, more than 25,200 households have checked into FEMA provided hotels.

Individuals affected by the hurricanes are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able to by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the fastest way to get an application started. Individuals can also apply using the FEMA App, calling 1-800-621-3362, or visiting a local Disaster Recovery Center.

Disaster Recovery Centers can provide survivors in-person help with their applications. FEMA now has 80 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the hurricane-affected communities. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. FEMA also has Disaster Survivor Assistance team members in the field supporting survivors and helping them with the application process.

Positing your business for growth requires an active stance. Successful building service contractors (BSCs) are looking to the future when making decisions, hiring employees, choosing technology, and setting their culture. Are you prepared to guide your BSC to new heights?

Register for Building Tomorrow’s BSC: Critical Elements Necessary for Growth, a free webinar presented by Cleaning & Maintenance Management (CMM) at 1 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Dec. 3. In just one hour, webinar panelists will unlock the secrets to help you outshine your competitors, transform your business approach, and leave an indelible mark on the industry.

You will learn:

• What elements are critical to a successful BSC.
• How to focus on organizational excellence, profitability, growth, and sustainability when hiring.
• How to influence younger generations and open their perspective to joining the cleaning and maintenance industry.
• When and where to use technologies such as robotic and artificial intelligence to stay competitive.
• How to increase the value multiplier and leave a legacy.
• And much more!

The expert panel for this webinar includes:

• Elizabeth Christenson (moderator), CMM editor
• George Boutsalis, Impact Cleaning Services vice president
• Benjamin Fernandez, Verde program manager
• David Grossman, Renue Systems president
• Iris Verdi, Elite Building Services director of operations

A live Q&A session will round out the webinar. Come prepared with questions specific to your BSC challenges and concerns. Our expert panelists will be ready!

Registrants can participate in the live event and will obtain a link to the webinar recording afterward.

Click here to register today!

This webinar is brought to you by Aspire.